Scientists
at the University of Cambridge are using Physik Instrumente's P-517 3-axis
precision nanopositioning system to further advance understanding of the action
of molecules during transport through membrane nanopores. Dr Ulrich Keyser,
Principle Investigator in the University's Cavendish Laboratory Biological and Soft Systems group, explained: "We are looking at the transport of single
molecules through membranes made using silicon nanotechnology and glass
capillaries or biological systems - lipid membranes with protein
nanochannels."
"An optical tweezers system focuses a laser beam onto a dielectric
particle, coated with the molecule to be transported through the pore; this
requires very accurate positioning of the sample relative to the laser tweezers. We
chose a PI stage for this application because it is a well known company and we
had confidence in its reputation. The P-517 stage offers sub-nanometre
positioning resolution, allowing us to vary the position of the optical
tweezers - and therefore of the trapped particle - relative to the nanopore.
The stage is well built, very stable and easy to customise - we use it with
in-house developed, custom-written software - and we are now buying more
stages to further develop the project."
For further information visit
www.physikinstrumente.com
PI in brief
Over
the last 40 years, Karlsruhe-based Physik Instrumente (PI) has
become the leading manufacturer of nanopositioning systems and products based
on piezo technology. PI is a private company with more than 500 employees
worldwide and a flexible, vertically integrated organization, enabling it to
fulfil almost any request in the precision positioning technology field. All
PI's key technologies are developed in-house - including precision mechanics
and electronics, position sensors and piezo ceramics or actuators - meaning
that every phase, from design to shipment, can be guaranteed. Piezo
ceramics and actuators are produced by PI Ceramic, a subsidiary of PI, and the
Company has its own sales and service offices in all major markets. PI also
maintains testing devices for nanometrology on three continents, and both PI
Shanghai and PI USA have additional development and manufacturing resources,
allowing rapid local response to specific customer needs
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